Alternative Incubators ???

OakA · **Posted:** Tue May 10, 2011 10:09 pm

I would have prefered to post this in the "incubators & chick rearing " section but it appears to not have as much activity as posting it here.
I am on the lookout for an alternative incubator for friends who are on Rural/Solar power.
Thier problem is they do not have a mains power source available and are seeking an alternative incubator to set eggs.
In earlier times we had Kerosine and other heat source incubators.
I am hoping with the combined intellect and knowledge gathered here that someone may know of any alternative incubators available, maybe low voltage suitable for Solar/rural power or gas fired etc etc.
Look forward to your ideas and input.
I have offered to set eggs but they wish to be independant and not impose on me, no imposition to me but understand thier feelings.

Roova · **Posted:** Wed May 11, 2011 7:13 am

Beside the obvious in a good 'ol broody from what I can see googling there are a few other ways. None can really guarantee the right temperature and humidity holding though and if they aren't experienced at incubating I suspect they're going to end up disappointed. Personally I wouldn't want Kerosine burning away for 21 days :shock:

Beside a fire
Frying pan
Compost bin
Inside your top :-|

Lamp

I didn't see any mention of incubator's using Kerosine, just brooders. Im sure there's something out there somewhere though. Just in case no-one else comes along and before I keep searching it would be good to know what egg numbers they are hoping to incubate?

OakA · **Posted:** Wed May 11, 2011 7:39 am

Thanks for your reply Roova.
The obvious is of course a 'broody' but you never seem to have one when you need it.
I think something in the 50-80 range of eggs would suit, they have indicated less but I don't think they have the experience to know just how quickly an incubator fills with setting over 3 weeks and then any delays with a late hatch.
I have seen and used Kerosine models in the past, can be unreliable, difficult to regulate and of course dangerous with fumes and flaring.
I have been checking out posts elsewhere and see some reference to home built models using 12v computer fans and down lights as a heat source.
It has given me some ideas of using maybe one with 12v electricals, a micro switch to regulate, that is if enough heat could be generated, seeing as only a small unit is required.
I believe that alternative models using differing heat sources (gas & kerosine) are available in India and South Africa, was just wondering what might be available here.
I'll brainstorm with my friends a bit more and any suggestions or input from here is greatly appreciated.

Alison · **Posted:** Wed May 11, 2011 9:50 am

This might not be big enough for what your friends are after, but we have used a hovabator with great success on very limited solar power. It has an option to use a 12v battery if the sun isn't shining. It was very easy to use, and reliable. We also got a brooder that used very little power... would have to go and check the brand if you're interested in that, too.

OakA · **Posted:** Wed May 11, 2011 10:27 am

Thanks Alison,
Any or all information greatly appreciated.
The more info I can give them the more informed choice they can make.
I will look up the hovabator if it can be operated with the available power, might just be the thing.
There a lot of people in outer areas that still have and rely on alternative power, some by choice others by necessity, felt there had to be something available.
Cheers.

Ian Clayton · **Posted:** Wed May 11, 2011 9:29 pm

Hi

If they are on Solar Power and have a battery set up they should be able to use a normal 240 volt bator with the use of an inverter.

Ian

purefeather · **Joined:** Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:36 pm **Posts:** 736

G'day, I've got a couple of kerosene incubators(patent 1918),cedar ,260 eggs approx. manual turning. I've hatched about 200 eggs(each) in the old girls. Obviously they're labour intensive, but boy are they nice pieces of furniture. I've had new boilers made up for them a little while back.

purefeather · **Joined:** Wed Sep 29, 2010 6:36 pm **Posts:** 736

I should also mention that I use the Bellsouth incubator now, I'm surprised at how little power this unit uses. And believe me power consumption is and has been high on our priorities for over a quarter of a century now, we haven't been connected to the grid for that long.
We have our own mini hydro system and also solar panels(photovoltaic & hot water), a 48vlt battery bank(24x2vlt), a 7kva inverter
It would help to know what size solar array they have and what size their battery bank is and how much ooomph their inverter gives the house.
Cheers

OakA · **Posted:** Wed May 11, 2011 10:05 pm

Thanks fella's.
This is all new to me and I don't really understand the tech stuff, much more at home and have mastered anything with fur or feathers.
Will go and see my friends and ask the relevant questions, will relay the answers asap.
Must admit I'm in the middle of nowhere but do have the mod cons, connected to the grid etc, just such an isolated rural village. A lot around me are not connected to mains power, the rest we just make do and live a basic self sufficient lifestyle ie rely on ourselves for what's needed.
Will get back to you.
Thanks again.

EasterEggers · **Joined:** Thu May 12, 2011 9:39 am **Posts:** 1

Have you seen this http://www.bellsouth.com.au/bellsouthincs/solar.asp maybe of some help?

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